FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 1999
CONTACT: Deia Lofendo (847) 692-9500 [email protected]
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) will hold its 67th Annual Meeting April 24 - 29, 1999 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The meeting will bring together more than 5,000 neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents, neuroscience nurses, clinical specialists, physician assistants and allied health professionals.
Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, brain, spinal column and spinal cord and includes brain tumors, severe head injuries, stroke, aneurysms, and pain management. The AANS Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of neurosurgeons in the world and focuses on the latest research and advances in the field.
The Scientific Program, which includes two Plenary Sessions, 124 research papers, 561 poster exhibits and 669 technical and institutional exhibits, gets underway on Monday, April 26 at 9:45 A.M. Some highlights of the more than 800 presentations include the release of a study on spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of angina; guidelines for pre-season neuropsychological testing that can be used to accurately evaluate athletes suffering from a concussion during a sporting event; results of a study examining firearm-related head injuries; and an analysis of the latest neurosurgical technologies, including use of image-guided navigational systems and telemedicine, by the U.S. Navy.
The first major presentation of the meeting will be a special lecture by Doug Anderson, PhD, titled "Intraspinal Transplantation: Pre-Clinical and Clinical Studies." Dr. Anderson will focus his remarks on embryonic tissue transplants to promote recovery of locomotor function in the injured spinal cord.
On Tuesday, April 27, the 41st President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush, will deliver the Cushing Oration. Also on Tuesday, Mahlon R. DeLong, MD, will present the Richard C. Schneider Lecture. Dr. DeLong's presentation, "The Neurosurgical Treatment of Movement Disorders: Past, Present and Future", will explore recent advancements and future treatments for Parkinson's Disease and other movement disorders.
Wednesday's program will feature Steven Ramee, MD, discussing "Global Revascularization: A Paradigm for the 21st Century." In his talk, Dr. Ramee will explore the growth of endovascular therapy and discuss the move among international specialists to pool their talents and create programs that address the care of the whole patient.
Also on Wednesday, Bruce C. Vladeck, PhD, Professor of Health Policy at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and former Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration will explore "The Future of Medicare." Dr. Vladeck will examine how Medicare and Medicaid will change the managed care industry, and the implications for individual plans, providers and professionals. He will be joined by Senator John Beaux of Louisiana who will discuss "The Future of Medicine."
Throughout Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon, subspecialty Sections of the AANS will hold symposiums on specific aspects of neurosurgery including cerebrovascular disease, disorders of the spine and peripheral nerves, neurotrauma and critical care, pain, pediatric neurological surgery, stereotactic and functional neurosurgery and tumors.
New to this year's meeting are topic-specific educational seminars designed specifically for primary care physicians. The sessions, which are slated to take place on Wednesday, will discuss current diagnostic and treatment techniques for chronic pain, stroke and low back pain.
Closing this year's meeting, will be a series of special seminars to be held on Thursday, April 29. Leading brain and spinal cord tumor experts will discuss microsurgical techniques, treatment algorithms for complex intracranial disease and outcomes in spinal fusion.
Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons is a scientific and education association with approximately 5,300 members in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members must be certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. Neurosurgery is the medical specialty dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, brain, spinal cord and spinal column.
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Media Representatives : If you would like to attend the conference or interview a neurosurgeon - either on-site or via telephone - please contact the AANS Communications Department at (847) 692-9500 or call the Press Room at the meeting beginning Sunday afternoon, April 25, 1999 at (504) 670-6434.
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